Federal Amateur Radio Bill Compromise Reached: H.R. 1301

Federal Amateur Radio Bill Compromise Reached

In the waning days of May, CAI and HAM Radio Lobbyists worked with together with Federal Legislators to reach a compromise on H.R. 1301 concerning outdoor amateur radio antennas and services in residential communities. The revised bill requires the FCC to enact rules prohibiting private land use restrictions, including restrictive covenants found in almost every declaration, banning installation of outdoor antennas on property exclusively owned by an amateur radio licensee or which otherwise precludes amateur radio service communications. The FCC rules will mandate that the radio licensee notify and seek prior approval from their Association before installation of any outdoor antenna. Additionally, Associations will still be allowed to prohibit antenna location on common areas and enact reasonable rules concerning the height, location, size, and aesthetic impact of, and installation requirements for the outdoor antenna and support structures.

Stay tuned to see whether the amended bill passes out of the Energy & Commerce Committee, full House of Representatives, full Senate and ultimately signed into law by the President.